2d Space Operations Squadron

The 2d Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) is a unit of the United States Air Force at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Its mission is to manage the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite constellation for global navigation, time transfer, and nuclear detonation detection.

2 SOPS had one geographically separated unit (GSU), Detachment 1, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. It was responsible for maintenance of a GPS Ground Antenna, Monitor Station, and various operational test assets. [ [http://www.patrick.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123097920 Deactivation ends two decades of service on Cape Canaveral] ] [ [http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123097651 2nd SOPS inactivates Det. 1] ]

2 SOPS is augmented by Reserve personnel from the 19th Space Operations Squadron, part of the 310th Space Wing.

=Mission [http://www.schriever.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4045 2SOPS Fact Sheet] =

The squadron performs the command and control mission for the Global Positioning System satellite constellation. GPS is the world's premiere space-based position, velocity and timing system, capable of providing precision navigation and timing capability simultaneously to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. Continuous GPS availability and unprecedented signal accuracy has resulted in widespread integration of the technology; numerous military, commercial and international users have embraced GPS.

Chain of command

* United States Department of Defense
* United States Air Force
* Air Force Space Command
* 14th Air Force
* 50th Space Wing
* 50th Operations Group

History

2 SOPS was originally constituted as the 2d Surveillance Squadron (Sensor) and activated on 16 January 1962 under North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) at Ent Air Force Base. It was then organized on 1 February 1962 under the 9th Aerospace Defense Division, under which it operated SPACETRACK, the USAF globe-spanning space surveillance network, from 1962 through 1967. The squadron was discontinued and inactivated on 1 January 1967.

It was redesignated the 2d Satellite Control Squadron on 16 July 1985 at Falcon Air Force Station as the first operational squadron of the 2d Space Wing. Activated on 1 October 1985.

2 SOPS has controlled the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite constellation and managed the Nuclear Detonation System in support of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty since 1987.

On 30 January 1992, as part of an Air Force reorganization, 2 SCS was redesignated the 2d Space Operations Squadron.On June 18, 2004, a 24/7 user focal point, the GPSOC, was established.

In late 2005, several National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency monitor stations were integrated into the network to improve navigation accuracy and signal monitoring.

Detachment 1 at Cape Canavaral Air Force Station inactivated in 2008 with contractors taking over their responsibilities.

Decorations

Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 June 1964-31 May 1966; 1 December 1987-30 November 1989; 1 September 1990-31 August 1991.

Emblem description

:"On a Blue disc, a Light Blue globe grid lined Yellow issuing from base and charged with a Scarlet lighting flash bendwise; in chief a White eight point pole star above and (Yellow pole stars) on a White orbit ring arcing over the globe; a Yellow pole star all within a narrow Yellow border. MOTTO: PATHWAYS FOR PEACE."

Approved on 6 May 1988, slightly modified in 1994; replaced emblem approved on 28 July 1965 (K&KE 17364).

External links

* [http://www.schriever.af.mil/gps/ GPS]
* [http://gps.afspc.af.mil/gpsoc/ GPS Operations Center]